The Arab-Israeli Cookbook
by Robin Soans
The Arab-Israeli Cookbookis a drama created from the everyday
realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The project began when
the Caird Company sent the writer Robin Soans and directors Rima
Brihi and Tim Roseman to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank in 2003.
There they sampled a variety of dishes in homes, restaurants, shops and cafés
and met dozens of people with different cultures, backgrounds
and beliefs. Each person had a story to tell and a recipe to cook.
Robin Soans has constructed a verbatim play from the words he collected. Arab
and Israeli voices come together to bring insight
and understanding to the melting pot of Middle Eastern affairs.
What critics said of Robin Soan’s previous work:
‘...a stunning frontline report of how things have gone from
bad to worse.’ The Daily Mail
‘A magnificent endorsement of verbatim theatre. By the end
of it you just might feel like crying.’ The Guardian
‘...makes us engage with the huge problems that can never easily
be solved. It’s heartbreaking to see.’ Time Out Critics’
Choice
The Arab-Israeli Cookbook was first performed
at the Gate Theatre in June 2004.
